On the evening of January 15, Indonesia and Iraq entered the first match in Group D of the 2024 Asian Cup group stage. In the previous match of this group, Japan defeated Vietnam with a score of 4-2. .
In terms of game position, Iraq was better in the first half. Iraq’s pressure finally materialized with the opening goal in the 17th minute. From a long pass in the home half, striker Mohanad Ali passed a defender. Indonesian defender before finishing to defeat goalkeeper Ernando Ari.
The joy of Iraqi players. Photo: Reuters.
After the loss, Indonesia proactively pushed the team higher when they had the ball. As a result, in the 37th minute, Indonesia suddenly scored to equalize 1-1. From Sayuri’s cross on the right wing, midfielder Marselino Ferdinan easily cushioned the ball from close range to defeat goalkeeper Hachim.
However, Indonesia’s joy did not last too long. In the 7th minute of injury time of the first half, goalkeeper Ernando could not catch the ball before Jasim’s cross. Immediately, Osama Rashid easily placed the ball into the empty net, increasing the score to 2-1 for Iraq.
In the 75th minute, striker Aymen Hussein scored a decisive shot, increasing the score to 3-1 for Iraq. This is also the final result of this match.
Winning 3 points and having a difference of +2 like Japan, coach Jesus Casas and his team temporarily ranked 2nd in Group D due to a poor number of goals. In the second match on January 19, Iraq will face Japan to compete for first place.
Meanwhile, with this defeat, Indonesia was pushed to the bottom of Group D due to being inferior to Vietnam in terms of goals. This is the advantage of the Vietnamese team in the race to win tickets to the 1/8 round. In the second match of Group D on January 19, Indonesia and Vietnam will meet in a very important match.
Indonesia is “irresistible” before Iraq
Indonesia is “helpless” before Iraq.
